Rail services across the Harrogate district look set to be hit by cancellations over the half-term holiday as trade union members go on strike over pay and conditions.

The strikes are set to effect services to Harrogate and Knaresborough between Leeds and York.

Industrial action by ASLEF and the RMT unions will hit the region’s train services on three days next week. ASLEF, which largely represents train drivers, will stage its action on Wednesday, May 31 and Saturday, June 3. Customers are advised to avoid travel on those days.

The RMT union, whose 20,000 members work as caterers, train managers and station staff, has announced its own action on Friday, June 2. On that day, customers are advised to check revised timetables before they travel as only a limited service will be in operation.

Train operator Northern said that early-morning and late-night services on Thursday, June 1 would also likely be affected, due to the impact that strikes have on fleet displacement.

In a press release about the national industrial action, ASLEF said:

“Most of the drivers have not had a pay increase at all since 2019 and, with inflation still well over 10% and the cost of living spiralling, this is not acceptable.”

Travellers are advised to check revised timetables before leaving home.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said:

“The government is once again not allowing the Rail Delivery Group to make an improved offer that we can consider. Therefore, we have to pursue our industrial campaign to win a negotiated settlement on jobs, pay and conditions.”

Northern’s new summer timetable came into effect at the weekend. While most services will run as normal, the train operator is urging people who make regular trips on the same trains to use the Check My Timetable feature on its website to see details specific to their local station.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“We apologise, once again, for the disruption this action by ASELF and the RMT will cause to our customers.

“This latest round of industrial action looks set to hamper people’s opportunity to explore the region during the half-term holidays. It’s understandably very frustrating.

“We all want to see an end to this dispute and the uncertainty that on-going strike action causes to people’s confidence in the railway.”

• More rail strikes in Harrogate and Knaresborough this week
• Thousands of teachers descend on Harrogate as new strikes called
• No trains in Harrogate district today amid further rail strikes

This story is sponsored by Harvey George.

The UK’s largest bespoke bathroom vanity unit manufacturer has won the right to use the coveted Made in Britain logo. 

Harvey George, which is based on Hookstone Park in Harrogate, went through an exhaustive authentication process to achieve the distinction, which is administered by the Made in Britain not-for-profit organisation. 

The company’s application to use the familiar red-white-and-blue logo was approved because all its products are made here in Yorkshire.  

Sophie Griffiths, Finance Director, said: 

“We’re absolutely delighted that we can now use the Made in Britain mark. It’s internationally recognised and helps customers identify products made here in the UK. In a market awash with imports, this really sets us apart as a great British manufacturer.” 

Harvey George makes all its bathroom vanity units to order at its Hull factory, and its range can be seen in its 10,000 sq ft showroom on Hookstone Park. 

Harvey George’s showroom can be found on Hookstone Park, off Leeds Road in Harrogate.

The firm offers 15 designs, and customers also specify the size, the drawer front, the handles, and what kind of sink they want – single or twin, sit-on or undermount – from a selection of luxury brands, including Hendel & Hendel and House of Rohl. They come in 16 basic colours, but Harvey George can match them to any paint a customer may already have. 

Harvey George’s professionals can work with customers to find the perfect combination of options and turn them into beautiful designs and stunning finished products.

The lead time is six weeks, but for a small express fee that can be halved. 

Andy Grice, Showroom Manager, said: 

“What makes Harvey George different is that we cut out the middle-man. We don’t buy these units from anyone else – we make them individually for each of our customers. Anything you can imagine, we can make. 

“We’ve compared prices and we’ve found we’re between 10 and 30% cheaper than our competitors, and typically also have a shorter lead time. 

“We’re also very efficient. Even the pieces of wood we cut out of the vanity unit tops are made into chopping boards!” 

Find out more: 

Make an appointment and visit Harvey George’s Harrogate showroom to discuss your bespoke furniture needs over a complimentary drink at The Inspiration Centre, Unit 3, Hookstone Park, Harrogate HG2 7DB. Telephone: 01423 810070. 

A sound engineer who has worked for some of the biggest names in pop has opened a vinyl coffee house and bar in Harrogate. 

Dave Swallow’s CV includes stints with Amy Winehouse, Erasure and James, and he still routinely joins Norwegian mega-band A-ha on tour. But he’s launched a new venture that brings his love of music to the town he now calls home.  

AAA (pronounced triple-A) on Cold Bath Road is currently operating as a coffee house, open from 9 to 5pm, but a temporary licence over the spring bank holiday weekend will see it function as the bar it is meant to be, open till 11pm. 

AAA on Cold Bath Road also has outdoor seating.

From early July, when it receives its full alcohol licence, AAA will be a coffee house and bar that also sells vinyl records and clothes from another of Dave’s ventures, clothing brand Audio Architect Apparel. 

Dave, who is originally from Southend-on-Sea but has lived in Harrogate for 16 years, said: 

“Last July, I was touring with A-ha, playing Rio de Janeiro and the Hollywood Bowl, and then just two days later I was back here, being handed the keys to this place.  

“Ultimately, I just want to create a nice, cool place where people can come to listen to good music on a good sound system, drinking good drinks.” 

Dave Swallow wants to create a cool place, with good music and drinks.

AAA currently serves hot drinks, cakes and traybakes, but as a bar it will offer wines, spirits, a range of bottled beers, and two brews on tap – a pilsner and an IPA, both made by music-inspired brewer Signature Brew. 

In addition, anyone who still has any old vinyl records but no means to play them can take their discs along to AAA and Dave will play them. He said: 

“Music is a language without words. It’s emotional. You can take a band from Liverpool and drop them in South America, and their sound travels. It crosses boundaries and brings people together. That’s what I’m doing here.” 

Read more:

• Plan approved to convert former Cold Bath Road shop into bar and cafe
• Criminals damage third business on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road
• Cafe-bar and record store plans submitted for Cold Bath Road shop

A bus service to the very top end of Nidderdale will restart for the summer 2023 season this weekend.

The DalesBus 821 service to Scar House reservoir in Upper Nidderdale will run from Keighley and Otley via the Washburn Valley to Pateley Bridge, then continues updale past Gouthwaite Reservoir to Ramsgill, Lofthouse and Scar House Reservoir every Sunday and Bank Holiday until October 22, 2023.

Buses leave from Pateley Bridge at 11.15am and 2.15pm, returning from Scar House Reservoir café at 12.45pm and 3.45pm.

Connections are available on DalesBus 24, leaving Harrogate Bus Station at 10.20am or 1.20pm.

All single fares are just £2  (£1 for under 19s) as part of the national Get Around For £2 initiative, which the government has just extended until the end of October.

Scar House and Angram reservoirs lie at the top of Nidderdale and supply water to Bradford.

Nidderdale DalesBus 821 is run by the Keighley Bus Company, with financial support from Yorkshire Water, as part of the DalesBus network, which is managed by the volunteer-run Dales and Bowland Community Interest Company.

It joins DalesBus service 822 between Ripon, Pateley Bridge and Grassington, which is already running on Sundays and Bank Holidays for the summer season. Buses leave Pateley Bridge at 11.15am and 3.25pm for Hebden and Grassington, and at 12.25pm and 4.25pm for Fountains Abbey and Ripon.

Full details of the bus to Scar House Reservoir are available online at www.dalesbus.org/821.

Read more:

• Dales Bus summer service to return this weekend
• Photo of the Week: Top of the dam at Scar House Reservoir
• New 4G mast will boost mobile coverage in Upper Nidderdale

A group of early-morning runners from Knaresborough will be upping the pace this Sunday, when they take part in the first ever Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. 

The 15 members of the Early Bird Running Crew have been in training for 19 weeks to run the 26.2 miles and will be raising money to create a brand-new motor neurone disease (MND) unit, at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds. 

Early Bird Running Crew member Dr Deborah Goldfield said: 

“I’ve felt very passionate about MND ever since a friend was diagnosed with it and later died. 

“It’s one of those stigmatised diseases; there’s a sense of complete and utter despair, because it seems as if there’s nothing you can do. As an A&E doctor, I see it every day.  

“It’s about time we looked very seriously at finding a cure for this appalling disease, and this project gives a massive sense of hope.” 

MND is a condition that progressively damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, called motor neurones. These control muscle activity including walking, speaking, gripping, swallowing, and even breathing, and as MND progresses, it can become more difficult to do some or all of these. MND eventually leads to death.

Former Leeds Rhinos rugby league player Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019. Since then, he has campaigned relentlessly to raise awareness and funds to support families living with the disease. 

MND campaigner Rob Burrow (seated) and best friend and fellow ex-Rhino Kevin Sinfield OBE (right) will cover the marathon course together.

The inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will see over 10,000 participants take on a new route through Leeds that starts and finishes at Headingley Stadium, home of the Leeds Rhinos. Rob Burrow himself will be cover the route, pushed in his wheelchair by best friend and fellow ex-Rhinos player Kevin Sinfield OBE. 

Dr Goldfield said: 

“If Rob Burrow can do the course, I’m sure we can wheeze our way round it. 

“It would be amazing to be part of creating this new MND unit, so please donate anything you can afford. No worries if that’s just a cheer on!” 

Dr Goldfield, who works at York Hospital, is aiming to raise £500 through the event, which is being held in support of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Appeal as well as the MND Association.

You can help her reach her fundraising target by sponsoring her online.

Dr Deborah Goldfield (back row, centre) with fellow Early Bird Running Crew runners at their Market Place meet-up in Knaresborough.

The Early Bird Running Crew is a social running group that encourages people of all abilities and promotes well-being. It meets daily from Monday to Friday at 6.30am in Knaresborough’s Market Place for a 5k run. A Harrogate group meets at the same times, at the War Memorial in the town centre. 

Read more:

• Man with MND sets 100-mile charity challenge through Yorkshire Dales
• Harrogate couple run 127 miles in aid of Motor Neurone Disease charity
• Terminally ill Harrogate man to scale Snowdon

This story is sponsored by Myrings Estate Agents .

When Colin Bonham was promoted recently to Senior Associate Director at Harrogate estate agent Myrings, it was the latest step in a rapid rise up the career ladder to the top of the district’s property industry. 

The promotion has given him a seat on the board at family firm Myrings, which is run by brother and sister Simon and Gemma Myring, but Colin’s first brush with estate agency was when he was still a pupil at Ashville College. He told The Stray Ferret: 

“I was already interested in property, so I asked to do my work experience placement with an estate agent. I spent the week at Myring & Heward, as it was then, and really enjoyed it.  

“Later, during my gap year, I bumped into Gemma and she offered me a job. I was 18 then and I’ve never looked back.” 

That was in 2010, and since then Colin reckons he’s sold well over 1,000 properties. But he has also seen a seismic change in customer behaviour as the industry has increasingly gone online. He said: 

“One of the biggest changes is how much things have gone digital. We used to have a huge rush on Thursdays after the local paper came out and people scoured the property pages, but these days more people search for properties online, so every day’s a rush now.” 

Now 32 and a father-of-two, Colin is currently working towards becoming an Associate Member (AssocRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is ambitious for his future. But that’s not to say he intends to move onwards and upwards – he’s happy where he is. He said: 

“I’ve always been very well looked after here. Because it’s a family business, its ethos is independent – it’s not like a big corporate, with 28 layers of management. I’ve always worked very closely with Simon and Gemma, which has made it very easy to learn. 

“I’m still relatively young, and one day I fully intend to run the business – but only when Simon and Gemma are ready to hand over the keys!” 

Until then, he intends to help Myrings grow its footprint – it currently has the second-highest stock level in Harrogate – and its rental portfolio, while protecting the firm’s good name. He said: 

“At the latest Estate Agent of the Year Awards (the ESTAS) we were named the best estate agent in Yorkshire, as well as winning gold awards for both sales and rentals and being named the best for sales in North Yorkshire. It was a phenomenal achievement for a family firm with just one office, but it didn’t surprise me at all. 

“Reputation is everything to us – what people think of us is of utmost importance to us. The name above the door isn’t the name of some historic founder – it’s who is here every day. And people like the fact that it’s a family firm, because they’re often buying or selling a family home, and it’s very personal to them. That’s why word has spread about how good we are, and why I’m proud to work here.” 

Find out more: 

If you’re a Harrogate homeowner or involved in the local property market in any way, call Myrings on 01423 566400 for a free no-obligation chat about its residential sales and lettings services, or visit the website: myringsestateagents.com.

This story is sponsored by the Inter Ceramica Group.

The Harrogate-based family-run company, Revo Kitchens, is revolutionising the kitchen market, by launching its Revo Rapid range of stocked German Kitchens with 60% discount off the RRP.

Revo Kitchens, which is part of the family-run Inter Ceramica Group, has expanded its warehouse facilities on Hornbeam Park and now holds huge quantities of German Kitchens in stock, meaning products are available to take away the same day.

Customers can email through or bring along dimensions and a Revo Rapid Design Adviser uses those dimensions to design their dream kitchen for a fraction of the high street price.

Group Manager Adam Challis says Revo Rapid’s offer is unique to the marketplace:

“Revo has been working on this concept for two years, culminating in a revolutionary supply agreement with one of Germany’s largest kitchen manufacturers. The benefits for the customer are huge!”

“By shipping huge volumes directly, we can offer a permanent 60% discount off all kitchen furniture, including our worktops.

“To compliment this amazing offering we have specially selected a range of Bosch and Beko appliances, sinks, taps & boiling taps all from stock and all at internet-beating prices. It’s a truly unique and complete offering, at incredible prices

“Our initial range consists of seven different door colours, five worktops styles and 10 door handle styles. Worktops are manufactured by Duropal, another premium German manufacturer, all being laser edged to give an ultra-high-end quality and contemporary look.”

If a customer wants something outside of the stock range, they can order it, and it will still come with the 60% discount. 

Revo Rapid offers interest-free finance under a 12-month buy-now-pay-later arrangement. Customers can spread the cost even more with a low interest rate 10 year package – meaning a £5,000 kitchen can cost as little as £29 per month.

Mr Challis added on Revo Rapid’s customer support:

“Our team of professionals are always on hand to help with design and offer advice, making sure that our customers get the very best service and support.

“Whether you are a domestic customer looking for a new kitchen or a trade fitter, builder or developer, Revo Rapid will change the way you look at kitchens. Our showrooms are open to all.”

Find out more: 

You can check out Revo Kitchens’ range of fabulous German kitchens from Nolte on their Revo Rapid website. Alternatively, you can drop into Revo Kitchens’ showroom at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate. 

This story is sponsored by First 4 IT.

The organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show have a lot to think about – visitors, exhibitors, parking, and even the weather – but one thing they needn’t worry about is technology. 

That’s because the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS), which puts on the show each July, entrusts all its IT systems to Harrogate company First 4 IT – and has done for the last 18 years. 

Andrew Velvin, managing director of First 4 IT which is based at Hornbeam Park, said: 

“IT support is crucial for businesses, organisations, and events to ensure that technology systems are running smoothly and efficiently. In the case of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and Great Yorkshire Show, IT support is essential to provide reliable connectivity and technical assistance for exhibitors, vendors, visitors and indeed the organisation itself. Rapid response and quick resolution are also a critical part of our service delivery.” 

For a recent overhaul of the Great Yorkshire Show’s systems, First 4 IT undertook an in-depth assessment.

First 4 IT looked at the number of exhibitors, vendors, and visitors. The company considered the type of devices they use, and their connectivity requirements. Andrew said:

“Based on this, we designed a customised IT plan that addresses the specific needs of the event. We worked with the organisers to ensure that our plan is aligned with their vision and objectives for the event.”

A significant investment in IT

So ahead of this year’s Show, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society has made a significant investment in its IT systems.

First 4 IT’s support for the Show included setting up high-speed internet points throughout the showground. The team ensured that all areas have access to an encrypted network that can cope with streaming and card payments. 

Confidence in the Show’s online integrity is vital. So the company ensures that all data collected during the event – such as exhibitor registrations and visitor surveys – is secure. 

The team at First 4 IT will also be providing technical help and a troubleshooting service throughout the Show to exhibitors, vendors and visitors. 

And when the Great Yorkshire Show – one of the premiere agricultural shows in England – is all over, First 4 IT provides the YAS with post-event support. This includes analysing data collected during the event, providing a detailed report of the IT support provided during the event, including any feedback received, and providing recommendations for future improvements.  

High praise for First 4 IT

Allister Nixon, chief executive of the YAS, said:

“First 4 IT is not only located nearby but also demonstrates a high level of proactivity and quick responsiveness in addressing any issues that may arise.” 

Put simply, First 4 IT is one of YAS’s trusted partners and has been relied upon to put on many a successful show.

Andrew said: 

“We provide customised IT support that meets the specific needs of the event, ensuring that exhibitors, vendors, and visitors have a seamless experience. With our experienced team of IT professionals and state-of-the-art technology solutions, we ensure that the event runs smoothly and efficiently.”

The 164th Great Yorkshire Show will be held at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate from Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 July, 2023.

Find out more: 

Whether you’re putting on a great show or have more modest, but no less essential, requirements, call First 4 IT on 01423 859 370 to see how we can help, or check out our website at www.first4it.co.uk. 

A Harrogate craft beer bar has been named Pub of the Year not for its real ale — but for its real cider. 

Major Tom’s Social in The Ginnel was awarded the title by the local branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) due to the quality of the cider it serves. 

CAMRA said in a press release that although cider, made from apples, and perry, made from pears, are usually associated with south-west England there are a number of excellent Yorkshire producers, for example in Masham, Thornborough, and Husthwaite.

Lauren Wray, assistant general manager at Major Tom’s Social, said:

“We’re really pleased to receive this award. It’s quite an honour, and it’s a nice asset to the bar.

“We’ve only started focusing more on cider over the last year or two, but it sells really well. We’re obviously best known for our beer, so it was quite a surprise to get an award for our cider.”

According to CAMRA’s definition, real cider is fermented from the whole juice of fresh pressed apples – or pears in the case of perry.

It precludes the common practice of using concentrate or diluted juices to boost strength through the addition of sugar to an unnatural level for storage, before then diluting it with water to the desired alcohol content for sale. 

Alan Gould, chairman of the Harrogate and Ripon branch of CAMRA, said: 

“CAMRA campaigns for a high quality of materials and production methods, whether that’s in beer, cider or perry.

“Major Tom’s sell real cider, and that’s really not very common. They keep it in the right condition and get it from the right sources – small scale, artisanal producers who make craft cider well.”

Read more:

• Harrogate pub wins CAMRA award after one year of opening
• ‘Intimate gem’ Knaresborough pub wins rare award for beer quality
• Beer festival season starts with three-day Henshaws event

This story is sponsored by the Bettys and Taylors Group.

A number of highly sought-after career opportunities have become available at Harrogate’s most famous employer. 

Bettys is looking to fill a number of vacancies in the kitchen at Bettys Harrogate as well as having both front of house and back of house roles available within the four other branches located in York, Ilkley, Harlow Carr and Northallerton

New recruits can expect a competitive salary, pension, a fantastic working environment and excellent training. 

One person who has already taken advantage of that offer is Cameron Latimer, who is a catering assistant at Bettys’ flagship branch in Harrogate. The 21-year-old left King James’s School in Knaresborough to join another company in the industry, before moving to Bettys in 2021. He said: 

“The training is very thorough. Over the last 18 months I’ve really progressed, both in my job and as a person. I’m more outgoing and feel I can take control in the kitchen and lead others. I’ve been trained on every section and now specialise in preparing the hot food. In September I was promoted to shift leader, and later I aim to become a team leader.” 

Colleague Roisin Roddam, 24, has already progressed even further. She started at Bettys straight from school and has worked her way up to become deputy catering manager at the RHS Harlow Carr branch. She said: 

“Bettys really look after their staff and there’s loads of opportunities for career progression. There are loads of benefits, and the training is really good too. It’s very practical and hands-on, and you even get one-to-one training, so you’ve always got someone there helping you.” 

Roisin Roddam, deputy catering manager at Bettys’ RHS Harlow Carr branch.

Cameron said: 

“I’d definitely recommend working at Bettys. The conditions are second to none and the managers are very supportive. The staff are all friendly too – we’re all one team, front and back of house – and if something needs doing, we’ll all pitch in and sort it out.” 

Asked what advice she would give to prospective applicants, Roisin said: 

“Just apply. It’s an amazing company to work for, and there are lots of opportunities to move upwards or sideways, for example into the bakery or the Taylors factory.

“Everyone gets on really well. I really like all my team, and we do a lot of socialising outside work, so we get to know everyone very well. It’s absolutely brilliant.”

New apprenticeship opportunity in Bettys Café Tearooms

An iconic Harrogate brand

Bettys was founded in 1919 by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont and is now the most famous name in Yorkshire’s hospitality industry. More than a century later, it is still an independent family firm and continues to win numerous awards, including Food & Travel Magazine’s Specialist Retailer of the Year earlier this year. 

Along with Taylors of Harrogate, the company behind the iconic Yorkshire Tea brand, it is part of Bettys & Taylors Group, which employs more than 1,500 people, most of them in Harrogate. This month, Bettys & Taylors won one of the first ever King’s Awards for Enterprise for International Trade.

Find out more: 

If you’re interested in applying for a job at any of Bettys’ branches, check the vacancies page on the company website.